Thank You, Mrs. Coleman

Mrs. Coleman is the guidance counselor at Sellersville Elementary School for over twenty years and has touched the lives of students and staff alike. Even though she is retiring this year, her influence on Pennridge will last steadfastly.

Between her work as the Sellersville guidance counselor, her prior job as a Special Education Teacher at Guth Elementary School, her summer job as coach of a summer swim team, and even her primary education at Pennridge, Mrs. Coleman has had a big impact on those she came into contact with. We presented the opportunity to staff members at Sellersville to submit personal quotes about Mrs. Coleman and her influence. 

Sitting principal Mrs. Sarah Baker says, “Mrs. Coleman is a graduate of Pennridge as well as a life-long employee. She has touched many lives in the Pennridge community over the past 35+ years. We will be sorry to see her retire but are excited to see what the future holds for her! Thank you for all of the great things you have done for the students at Sellersville and the entire community!”

Mrs. Bowers described Mrs. Coleman as, “one of the most empathetic people I know. She has been a counselor, a parent, a coach, a teacher, to countless students who have traveled the halls of Sellersville Elementary School. She would always look for the best in students, especially those with difficult home lives or learning challenges. She would not let any of them use their background as an excuse, but instead encouraged them to be their best every day.”

Representing the alumni of Sellersville Elementary School, we wanted to write this article as a farewell letter to Mrs. Coleman, and a tribute to her years of service. Lucas George recalls a personal struggle with education in second grade that Mrs. Coleman helped him through, and she encouraged his teacher to consider a properly accelerated IEP. Joey Poust wants to include his memories of Mrs. Coleman being kind and considerate to everybody. Colin Post says, “She really cared about the students. I was in student council, and she would always reach out to us and ask if any students needed someone to talk to. She was awesome.” Personally, I recall times when she helped my friends and I through our struggles as friends and as individuals, and her wisdom has helped to shape my views of life.

On behalf of all the people, students, and staff alike whose lives she has touched, we thank Mrs. Coleman for her hard and dedicated work in Pennridge. She will be remembered forever.

“I went to school with her and now I work with her. I am so happy for her. She is a fantastic person. Good luck, and enjoy retirement.”

-Mr. Richard Phy

“Mrs. Coleman has the ability to make anyone and everyone feel welcome, accepted, and loved. I’ll never forget her real-life parenting advice, love of sports, and commitment to her students. Thanks for all you do Mrs. Coleman!”

-Chelsea Donofry

“I have worked with Mrs. Coleman for 20 years. I absolutely love working with her. She is hard-working, empathetic, motivating, and enthusiastic! We will miss her as the school mascot, running lunch bunches, hand printing 5th graders, running the school council, lending a helping hand, and being there when you needed something! Mrs. Coleman is an advocate for her teachers, students, and families. She loves the Sellersville and Pennridge community and family. She has put her heart and soul into this place and will be missed.”

-Mrs. Dana Siggins